Capturing the spirit and psyche of the world's greatest city.
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Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Preserving the Past

Sure, lots has changed in NYC over the years but two things in this
city seem immune to the ravages of time: Chinatown and the Dakota
building. How have they survived while so much has been changed?

First,
in Chinatown, the community, politicians, and business leaders have
made a concerted effort to keep this classic neighborhood intact. It's a
wonderful example of how vision, intelligence, political will, and good
old fashioned hard work and fight huge forces -- like big money and the
real estate industry -- to keep a great neighborhood alive.Second, the Dakota -- this old fashioned building has stood the test
of time. Why? Who can say? Perhaps it's because it's just such a
gorgeous building that the idea of demolishing it or changing it
substantially seems incomprehensible. Perhaps the residents have kept
its integrity intact (unlike the Apthorp). Who knows? The only thing we
do know is that it still stands -- and probably always will.